At 08:35 PM 3/2/1999 +0100, you wrote:
>Currently, I am doing a little research on the effect of different
>abiotic influences on the life of a cut flower, in particular the cut
>daffodil.
>>I have read that ethylene causes damage to flowers (e.g. do not place
>your cut flowers near a banana when it turns yellow from green).
>>How does this take place? What causes the plant to die when it contacts
>this gas?
Ethylene triggers senescence. Minimizing the ethylene will extend shell
life, this is well known in the cut flower industry. Silver is a good
inhibtor of ethylene, flowers are often sprayed or put in solutions with
silver to extend shelf life. Ethylene is a plant hormone and is produced
by most plants. A lot is produced in ripening fruits. Ethylene hastens
fruit ripening as well as flower senescence. Sticking a yellow banana in a
paper bag with ripe apple will ripen the banana quicker.
Dave Starrett
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* Dr. David Starrett \ *
* Biology Department, MS 6200 /\ *
* Southeast Missouri State University (__) *
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* email: dstarret at biology.semo.edu *
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